Ruger Celebrates 250 Years of American Liberty with Limited-Production Firearms

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to expand its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, further commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial while celebrating the Company’s longstanding tradition of American manufacturing. Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, “Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty.”

This collection now includes six additional models representing a broad cross-section of Ruger’s product offerings: the SR1911® pistol, two Hawkeye® rifles, the No. 1 rifle and two Marlin® Model 1894™ lever-action rifles. While each firearm offers its own unique configuration, all share a unified commemorative theme with patriotic motifs and elevated finishes.

Among the collection’s standout offerings, with only 250 of each model being produced, are the Hawkeye chambered in 30-06 Springfield, the No. 1 rifle chambered in 375 Ruger and the Marlin Model 1894 chambered in 44 Remington Magnum. Read more

Magnum Research Unveils the “250 Years of Liberty” Desert Eagle

A Tribute to American Independence by Koted Arms
PILLAGER, MN – Magnum Research, Inc., maker of the world-renowned Desert Eagle pistol, is proud to announce a patriotic masterpiece celebrating the Semiquincentennial of the United States: the “250 YEARS OF LIBERTY” Custom Desert Eagle. Created in exclusive collaboration with Koted Arms Master Gunsmith, Jonathan DeVries’, this limited-edition .50 AE pistol is a stunning tribute to American heritage, combining heirloom-quality craftsmanship with the legendary power of the Desert Eagle.

A LEGACY ENGRAVED IN STEEL
This custom build serves as a functional canvas of American history. The slide prominently features deep relief engraving of the preamble “We The People” in historic script, flanked by ornate scrollwork. The years “1776” and “2026” adorn the slide, marking a quarter-millennium of independence, while the muzzle face is boldly engraved with “USA” within a shield motif, surrounded by stars. The custom lasered metal grips continue the theme with a majestic eagle and shield design, ensuring that the spirit of freedom is felt in every handling of the firearm. Read more

KJI Launches an All-New Line of Multi-Purpose Tripods

MANSFIELD, TEXAS – KJI, a leader in mission-oriented shooting rests and tripod-mounted support systems, is proud to announce the launch of its all-new K-Series tripod lineup. Replacing the original K-700 and K-800 tripods, the new K-Series represents a complete modernization of KJI’s shooting support platform, which offers a broader, stronger, and more adaptable family of tripods built for hunting, long-range shooting, competition, photography, and professional field use.

A Modernized K-Series Lineup

The new K-Series includes five purpose-built tripod models: the K950 Carbon Fiber Tripod, K920 Carbon Fiber Tripod, K750 Carbon Fiber Tripod, K700 V2 Aluminum Tripod, and K500 Aluminum Tripod. The model numbers serve as a clear indicator of tripod size within the lineup, with the K950 standing as the largest and most robust model and the K500 serving as the most compact tripod option. Together, the lineup gives shooters a clear path from lightweight field support to heavy-duty professional platforms capable of handling rifles, optics, thermal devices, night vision, rangefinding systems, and other precision shooting accessories. Read more

Celebrating 250 Years of Liberty: The Founding Fathers 1911

Auto-Ordnance honors the United States’ 250th anniversary with the “Founding Fathers” 1911. This commemorative masterpiece created by the talented team at Altered Arsenal features a worn Old Glory red, white, and blue flag finish, paying homage to the nation’s enduring spirit. Intricate engravings along the stainless steel slide and frame depict the signing of the Declaration of Independence alongside General Washington leading his troops. Marked with “1776,” “2026,” and a prominent “250,” the slide proudly celebrates two and a half centuries of American independence. The custom aluminum grips further enhance the piece, showcasing the Liberty Bell and a bald eagle set over the text of the Declaration.

Beyond its striking appeal as a commemorative art piece, the Founding Fathers 1911 is built on the premium Auto-Ordnance Stainless 1911 platform, ensuring it is a highly capable shooting pistol loaded with modern upgrades. Chambered in the classic .45 ACP, the firearm utilizes a precision-manufactured, high-quality stainless steel frame, slide, and five-inch match-grade barrel. To guarantee exceptional durability over thousands of rounds, the slide, sear, and disconnector are meticulously heat-treated. Performance on the range is elevated by an adjustable trigger, a skeletonized hammer, and a full-length recoil guide rod.

Shooter ergonomics are further optimized with an extended beavertail grip safety, an extended magazine release, and convenient front cocking serrations cut into the slide. For a remarkably secure and positive hold, both the mainspring housing and front strap feature precise, machined checkering at 20 lines per inch. Serving as both a robust, functional firearm and a stunning tribute to the nation’s founding, it perfectly merges historical reverence with modern manufacturing. It is an ideal addition for collectors, sport shooters, and patriots looking to mark this historic milestone. The Founding Fathers 1911 includes one seven-round magazine and has an MSRP of $1,643.

https://www.auto-ordnance.com/founding-fathers-1911/

Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Effort Returns for Second Summer

A colony of bats roosts in a confined space, highlighting the importance of summer roost sites for resting, raising young and sheltering throughout the season. Photo courtesy of Joy and Richard Kuyt.

From tree cavities and trunks to bridges and barns, bats are settling into a variety of summer roosts across Michigan. Just as they did last year, residents can help scientists better understand where these important mammals are living, by sharing information about the bat activity they see around their homes and communities.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Natural Features Inventory are asking the public to report bat roost locations through the Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program.

Providing the information is easy. The online form asks for basic information such as the date and time when you saw bats using the roost, whether the location is on public or private land, the type of structure (house, barn, bat box, etc.), and how many bats you observed using the roost. There also is an opportunity to share photos.

This project focuses on summer roosts — places where bats rest and raise their young during the warmer months. Bats typically use summer roosts through August or early September. As temperatures cool in the fall, many species move to winter roosts, called hibernacula, where they hibernate until spring. Reports of summer roosts can be submitted at any time, even if the observation occurred earlier in the year. Read more

Buy a Beretta BRX1 Rifle in June and Receive a Free Tactacam REVEAL Pro 3.0

Beretta USA is giving hunters and shooting enthusiasts even more reason to add a BRX1 rifle to their collection this month. Customers who purchase any Beretta BRX1 rifle between June 1 and June 30, 2026, are eligible to receive a free Tactacam REVEAL Pro 3.0 cellular trail camera through Beretta’s latest promotional offer. Qualifying purchases must be redeemed by July 31, 2026. The promotion also applies to all Tikka T3x and Tikka T1x rifle models. See full rebate details at Beretta Rebates & Promotions.

The Beretta BRX1 has quickly established itself as one of the most innovative hunting rifles available today. Built around a fast-cycling straight-pull action, the BRX1 delivers rapid follow-up shots while maintaining the accuracy and reliability hunters demand in the field. The platform features a fully ambidextrous design, interchangeable barrel system, adjustable trigger, and modular architecture that allows shooters to tailor the rifle to their preferred hunting applications.

Whether pursuing whitetail deer, hog hunting, or predators, the BRX1 combines modern engineering with Beretta’s centuries-long commitment to firearms excellence. Its smooth operation, rugged construction, and user-friendly features have made it a favorite among hunters looking for a versatile rifle capable of performing across a wide range of environments and conditions.

The BRX1 represents the kind of innovation hunters are asking for today: fast handling, adaptable, and built for real-world performance in the field. Pairing it with the Tactacam REVEAL Pro 3.0 and the creates an exciting opportunity for customers to gear up for the season with premium equipment.

As part of the month-long campaign, Beretta USA and GrabAGun are also hosting the Summer Heat Giveaway, giving participants the chance to win a Beretta BRX1 rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor paired with it is the Pulsar Talion XG35 Thermal Riflescope. Visit GrabAGun for your chance to win. Read more

Warne Introduces New Maxima Horizontal Quick Detach Rings

Warne is proud to announce the launch of the new Maxima Horizontal Quick Detach Rings, expanding the trusted Maxima product family with a fast, reliable quick detach mounting solution designed for hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts who demand versatility without sacrificing strength and precision.

Built upon the proven foundation of Warne’s popular Maxima Horizontal Rings, the new Maxima Horizontal QD Rings feature Warne’s trusted index-able quick detach lever system, allowing shooters to remove and reinstall their optics without tools while maintaining Warne’s return to zero guarantee.

Available in 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm tube diameters, and offered in Low, Medium, and High heights, the Maxima Horizontal QD Rings provide compatibility with a wide range of riflescope configurations and shooting applications.

“The Maxima Horizontal Ring has earned a reputation for strength, reliability, and simplicity,” said Will Hemeyer, Director of Sales at Warne. “With the addition of our proven quick detach lever system, shooters can now enjoy the same rugged performance with the added convenience of tool-free removal and reinstallation while maintaining confidence in their zero.”

Machined from high-strength steel and featuring a square stainless-steel recoil control key, these rings are not only engineered to withstand the fiercest recoil, but also harsh field conditions. The Maxima Horizontal QD Rings deliver the durability and secure mounting performance shooters have come to expect from Warne products. Read more

GOA and GOF Petition the Virginia Supreme Court for a Preliminary Ruling on Virginia’s Looming “Assault Firearms” Ban

Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), alongside Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) and 2A journalist John Crump, have petitioned the Virginia Supreme Court for an urgent ruling in their lawsuit challenging Virginia’s upcoming ban on “assault firearms” and “large capacity ammunition feeding devices.” The petition requests that a decision be made on the plaintiffs’ pending motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in advance of the ban’s July 1, 2026 effective date.

This petition to Virginia’s high court comes one month after GOA’s coalition of plaintiffs filed suit in the Circuit Court for Lancaster County, in Crump v. Katz. Within days of challenging Virginia’s unconstitutional ban on commonly owned firearms and magazines, the Crump plaintiffs filed their currently pending motion to preliminarily block enforcement of the ban for the duration of their lawsuit.

However, in a disappointing move by the Lancaster court, the court indefinitely paused the Crump plaintiffs’ challenge by staying the case – taking a hearing on the Crump plaintiffs’ motion off its calendar – because the state government has filed a request to have the Crump case consolidated with other legal challenges to the ban that have been filed in other Virginia counties.

Of course, constitutional rights cannot wait. That is why GOA and the Crump plaintiffs have petitioned the Virginia Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel the Lancaster court to decide their motion on an emergency basis. In the alternative, the Crump plaintiffs request that the Virginia Supreme Court preliminarily enjoin enforcement of the gun ban itself. Read more

FPC Launches Fifth Circuit Appeal Challenging Unconstitutional Texas Carry Bans

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed its opening brief with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Ziegenfuss v. Martin, challenging Texas’s carry bans in numerous ordinary public places following the district court’s misguided opinion upholding the bans.

The plaintiffs include FPC and FPC members. The plaintiffs are represented by Bradley A. Benbrook, Stephen M. Duvernay, and Jamie G. McWilliam of Benbrook Law Group, P.C. as well as R. Brent Cooper of Cooper & Scully, P.C.

The brief was filed at the federal Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Fifth Circuit has jurisdiction of appeals from federal district courts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

FPC’s opening brief was filed on June 15, 2026.

Texas bans the carrying of firearms in businesses where alcohol comprises 51% or more of sales, at racetracks, and at sporting events. Under the Second Amendment’s text and our Nation’s historical tradition, these locations cannot be treated as so-called “sensitive places.” FPC filed this appeal to end enforcement of these unconstitutional carry bans and continue building on its track record of victories protecting the right to bear arms throughout the United States.

“The Second Amendment cannot be redlined out of existence through laws that are incompatible with the Constitution’s text and our Nation’s history. But that is exactly what Texas is trying to do here. Under binding Supreme Court precedent, Texas cannot criminalize carrying firearms in ordinary places people visit every day, like restaurants, sporting events, and racetracks. Our brief explains why the Fifth Circuit should reverse the trial court’s misguided decision and order these unconstitutional carry bans struck down. We will proudly continue to Fight Forward until every state—whether led by Republicans, Democrats, or anyone else—fully respects the rights of its residents.” — FPC President Brandon Combs. Read more

Woodpecker Drumming by Species

Among the 10 species of woodpeckers featured in the videos, the drumming of a Pileated Woodpecker is a standout, as always (photo by Tanner Martin).

Drumming is an important form of communication for woodpeckers, and hearing a rapid rat-a-tat-tat-tat can help you identify which species is drumming. Similar to learning to identify songbird calls, with a little practice you can identify some woodpeckers by the speed, cadence, and rhythm of their drumming. Woodpecker drumming may not be as immediately distinctive as bird songs, but by carefully listening to duration and rhythm of the drumming – even the perceived loudness of the woodpecker with reference to its location – you can still tell many species apart.

For woodpeckers, drumming serves the same function as singing does for songbirds: It advertises a bird’s territory, helps to attract mates, and alerts others “here I am.” Males and females drum among most woodpecker species, and now you can compare the drumming of similar and very different species of woodpeckers. In an informative article filled with insightful videos that feature species ranging from Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers to Northern Flickers and Pileated Woodpeckers – you can review the sights and sounds of woodpeckers drumming that can help you identify them in your neighborhood and in the field. Provided by All About Birds, you can get started by simply referring to How to Recognize Woodpeckers by Their Drumming Sounds | All About Birds

If you are interested in learning more about woodpeckers found worldwide, the Bird Academy offers an online course that is quite remarkable. You can take a Free look at “The Wonderful World of Woodpeckers” course at Free Preview: The Wonderful World of Woodpeckers Online Course

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